Janice R. Andrews
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has issued delayed congratulations to Donald Trump following his election victory, temporarily setting aside their contentious history. During an LBC radio call-in show, Khan expressed willingness to give Trump another chance, despite his reservations.
The acknowledgment came after Khan’s initial hesitation to congratulate Trump post-election, when he instead highlighted Londoners’ apprehensions about Trump’s political comeback. In his recent statement, Khan said: “Firstly, it’s really important I say this because I abide by the rules of the game. Donald Trump has won the election; he’s going to be the president in January. And I wish him well, I congratulate him on winning the election.”
This represents a notable change in tone from Khan, who has historically been critical of Trump. While maintaining his concerns about Trump’s previous presidency and campaign rhetoric, particularly regarding protectionist and nativist policies, Khan emphasized his willingness to extend a “hand of friendship.”
“Now JD Vance, Elon Musk, and others may have changed their mind about Trump, I haven’t, but I’m giving the president-elect the benefit of the doubt,” Khan stated. “Let’s hope, fingers crossed, this president, during this term, is different from the last one.”
The context includes a history of public disagreements between the two leaders, with Trump previously criticizing Khan’s handling of London’s issues and describing the city as “unrecognizable” due to immigration policies.
Khan maintained his concerns about Trump’s potential impact on key issues including women’s rights, democratic values, climate action, and support for Ukraine. He called for Labour leader Keir Starmer to maintain a critical stance on Trump’s policies, particularly regarding women’s rights.
In reaffirming London’s values, Khan stated: “London is – and will always be – for everyone. We will always be pro-women, pro-diversity, pro-climate, and pro-human rights.” He emphasized the city’s commitment to diversity and unity, while noting that “progress is not inevitable” and that asserting progressive values remains crucial.
While Khan’s congratulatory message suggests a diplomatic approach, his cautious tone indicates ongoing concerns about Trump’s leadership and its potential impact on global issues. The Mayor appears ready to maintain London’s progressive stance while hoping for a different approach from Trump’s upcoming term.
